Times wires
Friday, September 9, 2011

Diamondbacks 4, Padres 1

PHOENIX — Arizona's Ian Kennedy struck out a season-high 11 over seven-plus innings for his NL-leading 19th win. Kennedy faced only two batters over the minimum in his first seven innings before tiring and allowing a run on three hits in the eighth inning. Justin Upton hit his career-best 29th homer for the Diamondbacks, who won for the 14th time in 16 games.

Associated Press
Friday, September 9, 2011

I-AA Charleston Southern gets $400,000 for visiting Tallahassee a week after being crushed 62-0 in its opener at UCF. The Buccaneers, who were 3-8 a year ago, play in the Big South Conference. They began playing football in 1991 and are 0-9 against I-A schools. Charleston Southern offensive coordinator Patrick Nix played quarterback at Auburn from 1992-95. His quarterbacks coach for three of those seasons was current Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. Seminoles WR Willie Haulstead, left, will miss his second straight game while dealing with the aftereffects of a concussion sustained during the preseason.

Associated Press

WATCH OUT FOR …

FSU had only 92 rushing yards and averaged 3.3 yards per carry during last week's 34-0 season-opening victory against Louisiana-Monroe. Charleston Southern allowed eight rushing touchdowns to UCF. The Seminoles' running back rotation remains unsettled.

No. 5 Florida State vs. Charleston Southern, 6 p.m., 1040-AM

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 9, 2011

LITHIA — His mother won nine times on the LPGA Tour.

His father teaches the game as a longtime PGA instructor. The family's house is a bit of a golf museum, complete with Mom's trophies, a putting green and a net for hitting drives in the back yard.

And then there's what Tyler Bakich calls "the tons" of clubs scattered throughout — including some that date back to the 1930s.

"Yep," he said, "the ones with the wooden shafts."

One would assume the son of former pro Colleen Walker and teaching pro Ron Bakich immediately would have been drawn to golf. But that wasn't the case.

"Golf was everywhere," Tyler said. "It was too much."

He preferred to play baseball, competing on AAU teams until one day at age 11, he decided to focus on the ball that features dimples, not seams.

"I finally realized and was mature enough to think about things the right way," Tyler, now 14, said. "I was given this gift and I knew I would be better (at golf)."

The Newsome Wolves couldn't be happier that he made the switch.

Tyler, a freshman, is part of arguably the best boys golf team in Hillsborough County, one that returns three players from last year's 2A Region 4 runner-up team, including individual top 10 finishers Brian Allen and Colin Julian.

"I'd heard about (Tyler Bakich) a few years ago," coach Jim Govreau said. "And he's the real deal."

When Tyler made the switch from baseball, he had as qualified a pair of teachers at home as possible.

"My dad is always there to help me with the mechanics of my swing, and my mom is more about the mental side and with chipping and putting," he said. "It's definitely a benefit because I get double the help."

The Wolves took their first match 164-174 against Freedom. Govreau said "as of right now" Tyler is playing No. 2 behind Brian Allen at No. 1. Govreau said Tyler's strength is his uncanny short game.

"He is just deadly around the greens," Govreau said. "His putting is phenomenal, but really, he's got it all."

Govreau said the team full of upperclassmen has had no problem accepting a freshman into the fold.

"They all know each other from junior golf," he said, "and I think they are helping to push each other."

Case in point may be Brian Allen, who Govreau says is "as consistent as they come." Brian, a junior, didn't have his best summer this year, but Govreau has noticed his game getting back on track as the high school season has resumed.

"Brian told me he didn't have a great summer but I think he sees what Tyler's doing and is picking it up," Govreau said. "This is Brian's third year at No. 1 and I can always pencil him in to roll around the same numbers."

Sophomore John Michael Coultas rounds out the top four for the Wolves. Govreau said he's "still trying to figure out a few things" regarding the fifth slot.

Newsome is in one of the tougher districts in the county — a group that also features Wharton, Freedom, Plant City and Riverview — but Govreau thinks the Wolves can make another deep run into the postseason.

"We've got two juniors, a sophomore and a freshman in the top four," he said. "They have good experience from last year, and I like what the future holds for them."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

This is the final tuneup for the Gators before the SEC season begins next week. So look for them to fine-tune things, particularly on defense, and try to correct the mistakes of last week's 41-3 season-opening victory over Florida Atlantic. Coach Will Muschamp said Florida won't hold anything back offensively in hopes of catching SEC-opening opponent Tennessee off guard, so expect to see more plays run for others besides the running back duo of Chris Rainey, right, and Jeff Demps. This is the season opener for UAB, which plays three of its first four on the road. Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis said not having current game film of UAB made preparations a little more complicated. Blazers coach Neil Callaway said he believes the advantage might go to the Gators: "The fact they have a game under their belt is going to give them a little advantage."

Antonya English, Times staff writer

No. 18 Florida vs. Alabama-Birmingham, 7 p.m., FSN, 1250-AM

WATCH OUT FOR …

The Gators face a team that is expected to provide more of a challenge than Florida Atlantic did last week. The Blazers are a veteran team, with 16 returning starters. That includes senior Pat Shed, their leading rusher last season (847 yards, three touchdowns.)

By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

FC Tampa Bay's match at Puerto Rico on Saturday was postponed until Sept. 21 because of the anticipated arrival of Tropical Storm Maria on the island.

The change shortens the club's four-game road swing and means Tampa Bay won't play again until Sept. 17. That home game will now begin a string of three games in eight days to end the regular season.

Tropical Storm Maria is forecasted to reach Puerto Rico on Saturday night with 40 mph winds.

Tampa Bay was scheduled to fly from Minnesota to Puerto Rico today but will instead return to Tampa.

The club clinched a postseason berth Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Minnesota, but it can't get any higher than a No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Puerto Rico clinched the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye with a 1-1 draw with Montreal on Wednesday.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

USF President Judy Genshaft drew a standing ovation at memorial services for the late Lee Roy Selmon on Friday morning when she announced that USF would be renaming its main athletic center as the Lee Roy Selmon Athletic Center at USF.

Selmon, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and Bucs star who had worked at USF since 1993, serving as the Bulls' athletic director from 2001-04, died Sunday in Tampa, two days after he suffered a stroke. He was 56.

"He was truly a pillar of our university and our community. We can't imagine the campus without him," Genshaft said at Idlewild Baptist Church, where USF's football team watched from the choir area. "And that is why yesterday, the (USF) Board of Trustees unanimously approved my request to rename the USF athletic center (pausing for 30 seconds of applause) as the Lee Roy Selmon Athletic Center at the University of South Florida. And while he cannot know how we will fill the great void created by his loss, we know Lee Roy Selmon's legacy carries on at the University of South Florida. It lies in the young men and women who achieve more than they ever believed they could, not just on the field of play, but in life. It lives in his colleagues who are reminded the great measure of us as human beings is not what we achieve for ourselves, but what we do for others. He was a man of great dignity, great humility ... and we will miss him."

USF athletic director Doug Woolard, who was listed as a pallbearer for the Tampa services, thanked Genshaft and the board for "swiftly approving" the name change for USF's central athletic facility, built during Selmon's tenure as athletic director and opened in 2004.

"Lee Roy Selmon stands for everything we desire in our student-athletes: integrity, academic excellence, compassion and competitiveness," Woolard said during the services. "Beginning now and for perpetuity, our student-athletes will know the name on this building sets the standard they should constantly strive for."

USF announced Thursday several measures to pay tribute to Selmon -- athletes on all of USF's teams will wear an "LRS" patch on their uniforms during the 2011-12 school year, a No. 63 flag will be brought onto the field during Saturday's home opener against Ball State, and 40,000 "LRS 63" decals will be given to fans at Saturday's game.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

The poll

How many games will the Bucs win this season?

Total: 1,456 votes

By the numbers

5-1 Bucs record in games decided by three points or fewer last season

26 Sacks by the Bucs last season, tied for 30th in the league

395/5/0 Passing yards/touchdowns/interceptions thrown by Detroit's Matt Stafford during the preseason

97.4 Passer rating of the Bucs' Josh Freeman in the fourth quarter and overtime last season

131.7 Rushing yards per game allowed by the Bucs last season, 28th in the league

What they're saying

Without a doubt, Tampa Bay's remarkable turnaround story went under-appreciated last season largely because the Bucs were unlucky enough to have both the 13-3 Falcons and the 11-5 defending Super Bowl champion Saints in their own division. The problem is the Falcons and Saints are going to be right there fighting it out at the top once again this year, and Tampa Bay might get a bit overlooked again because of it. Like Kansas City in the AFC, I think the Bucs will be a better team than last year's 10-6 version, but they may not get 10-6 results this season.

Don Banks Sports Illustrated

The Bucs are younger than Justin Bieber, but, man, do they have some talent. Too bad they're in this division. Then again, they proved everyone wrong last year too.

Gene Wojciechowski ESPN.com

The "youngry" (Raheem Morris' term, not mine) Tampa Bay Buccaneers take a step backward: After a surprising 10-6 campaign in 2010, they finish 7-9 and out of the wild-card hunt. Tampa's not sneaking up on anybody this year, and their schedule is one of the toughest in the league.

Peter Schrager Fox Sports

The picks

Toughest game of the day to call. In camp, Matthew Stafford, he of the 19 missed starts in 32 NFL weeks, told me he isn't going to change the way he plays football but he won't do anything stupid to risk injury. He'll have a couple of hungry rookies, Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers, trying to make him their first pro sack. Lions, 24-16.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

This game matches two up-and-coming teams. The Bucs won 10 games last season, and they are better. The Lions are definitely better than the 2010 team. The key here will be how well the Detroit pass rush does against Josh Freeman. If he has time, he lights up the Detroit secondary. I think he does. Matt Stafford won't keep up. Bucs, 27-21

Pete Prisco CBS Sportsline

Bucs vs. Lions

1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Radio: 620-AM, 103.5 FM

Line/over-under: Bucs by 2; 41

16% Five to eight

7% 13 to 16

2% Zero to four

Times staff
Friday, September 9, 2011

Purple People Eaters

Players: Carl Eller, Gary Larsen, Jim Marshall, Alan Page

Team: Vikings

Seasons: 1968-74

The skinny: The four combined for 19 Pro Bowl selections. Page and Eller are Hall of Famers. In 1971, not only was Page voted defensive player of the year, but Associated Press league MVP, the only time a defensive lineman has won it. All four made the Pro Bowl in 1969.

Fearsome Foursome

Players: Rosey Grier, Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy, Merlin Olsen

Team: Rams

Seasons: 1963-67

The skinny: Bears great Dick Butkus called the unit "the most dominant in football history.'' Olsen was the star tackle, making the Pro Bowl 14 times. He is joined in the Hall of Fame by Jones, an eight-time Pro Bowl pick.

Steel Curtain

Players: Mean Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes (replaced by Steve Furness in 1978), Dwight White

Team: Steelers

Seasons: 1972-80

The skinny: Greene, a Hall of Famer, might be the best defensive tackle ever. Then you have Greenwood, a six-time Pro Bowl end who despite recording 731/2 sacks is not in the Hall of Fame. White, a two-time Pro Bowl tackle, and Holmes (and later Furness) round out a line that helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls.

New York Sack Exchange

Players: Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam

Team: Jets

Seasons: 1979-83

The skinny: In 1981, the Jets might have had the most dominant line in NFL history. The four combined for 66 sacks (although sacks were an unofficial statistic in 1981). Klecko had 201/2 and Gastineau 20. Lyons, by the way, graduated from St. Petersburg Catholic.

1985 Bears

Players: Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, William Perry

The skinny: Arguably the greatest defense of all time started up front. Dent and Hampton are Hall of Famers, and each appeared in four Pro Bowls. McMichael added two Pro Bowls, and Perry — a.k.a. "The Refrigerator" — is one of the most charismatic players ever.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

Bears (4-3) at Bills (0-7)

1 p.m.; at Toronto

Line, O/U: Bears by 3, 41

For some reason, the NFL keeps exporting some of its worst commodities. Last week, the league sent the 49ers and Broncos to London. Now, two of the lowest-performing offenses will take their show north of the border to Toronto. The Bears, however, are pretty stout on defense. DE Julius Peppers, left, has only two sacks, but between his presence and the return of LB Brian Urlacher from a season-ending injury last year, the Bears defense is keeping the team

Holder's pick: Bears 27, Bills 20

Detroit's best offensive player

Calvin Johnson ran wild against the Bucs in 2010. He caught 10 passes for 152 yards. And his catches on the final drive of regulation and the only possession of overtime positioned Detroit for the win. This time, the Bucs get cornerback Aqib Talib to match up with Johnson after an injury kept him last season.

Detroit's best defensive player

Last season, tackle Ndamukong Suh was named defensive rookie of the year and started the Pro Bowl. Yet against the Bucs, he had just two tackles.

What the Lions do best

Rush the passer. The same franchise that for two straight seasons had one of the league's worst defenses, including a historically bad unit during their 0-16 2008, notched 44 sacks in 2010. Three came against Josh Freeman.

You can beat the Lions if …

You make them rely on their running game. With rookie Mikel Leshoure out, the Lions have lost a key addition to their ground game. That puts more on quarterback Matt Stafford's shoulders, giving the Bucs' pass rush a shot.

The Bucs must avoid …

Another slow start. Notorious for falling behind in 2010, the Bucs put themselves in difficult positions too often. Against a team capable of rushing the passer as well as Detroit, having to play from behind (and throwing lots of passes as a result) exposes Josh Freeman to too much heat.

Holder's prediction: Bucs 27, Lions 21

Steelers at Ravens

1 p.m., Ch. 10

Line: Ravens by 2, 361/2

What better way to start the season than bitter rivals who have provided some of the NFL's most memorable recent games? The Ravens must have been seething while watching the Steelers play in the Super Bowl last season because had their playoff game ended differently (a late winning touchdown), it well could have been Baltimore in the big game. Maybe the best thing about this rivalry is it could be heated for years to come. The coaches, Mike Tomlin of the Steelers and John Harbaugh, above, of the Ravens, are still young. So, too, are the respective quarterbacks. There are few games this big in Week 1.

Holder's pick: Ravens 23, Steelers 21

Falcons at Bears

1 p.m.

Line: Falcons by 21/2, 401/2

The Falcons were thinking Super Bowl last season and, at one point, playing like a team destined to get there. But they ran into a problem late in the season. There were moments in big games in which they failed to get big plays from their big guns. So general manager Thomas Dimitroff went out and got some more playmakers he hopes will step up at the right time. Atlanta paid a king's ransom to trade up for receiver Julio Jones in the draft then signed ex-Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards, above. Those guys coupled with the considerable talent already on the roster make the Falcons a team to watch.

Holder's pick: Falcons 26, Bears 17

Bengals at Browns

1 p.m.

Line: Browns by 61/2, 351/2

Both teams have undergone dramatic changes. The Browns have a new coach, Pat Shurmur, and all the nuances that come along with a change at the top. The Bengals retained Marvin Lewis but have a new quarterback, rookie Andy Dalton, and offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden. The Browns seem better prepared to hit the ground running. Their second-year quarterback, Colt McCoy, above, has already gone through the growing pains Dalton is about to encounter. And look for the Browns to improve on defense, especially after drafting starting linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard.

Holder's pick: Browns 24, Bengals 16

Colts at Texans

1 p.m.

Line: Texans by 81/2, 431/2

Few can attest to Colts quarterback Peyton Manning's longevity more than the Texans. They annually flirt with the notion of overtaking the Colts in the AFC South only to fall short — largely because of Manning. So today, the Texans face an unprecedented situation with Manning out with a neck injury (ending a streak of 227 starts). But forgive them for not feeling sympathy. The Colts are the very reason Houston coach Gary Kubiak always seems to be on shaky ground. Likewise, Manning is the reason Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, above, who has few peers, rarely gets the credit he deserves.

Holder's pick: Texans 29, Colts 20

Titans at Jaguars

1 p.m.

Line: Jaguars by 2, 37

Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio either knows something we don't or that hot seat he's sitting on is affecting his decision-making. Del Rio and general manager Gene Smith bid farewell to incumbent starting quarterback David Garrard last week, putting Jacksonville's fate in the hands of … Luke McCown? The likelihood here is rookie Blaine Gabbert eventually takes over for McCown, above, but this was a curious move, to say the least. The Titans, meanwhile, have a new coach and new quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck, but have no change at running back, where Chris Johnson has a new contract to live up to.

Holder's pick: Titans 24, Jaguars 21

Bills at Chiefs

1 p.m.

Line: Chiefs by 6, 40

Coach Todd Haley's Kansas City crew came on strong last season, going 10-6 and winning the AFC West. But the defense of that championship could get off to a rocky start with quarterback Matt Cassel, above, already banged up with a rib injury. Haley played his starters extensively during the final preseason game because … well … no one seems sure. Cassel sustained the injury late in the game but said last week he expects to play. Even without him, the Chiefs have a potent running game in Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones and formidable offensive line that could prove the difference against the Bills.

Holder's pick: Chiefs 21, Bills 20

Eagles at Rams

1 p.m.

Line: Eagles by 4, 44

Philadelphia's "dream team" — its words, not ours — faces the surprise team of 2010. Despite the Eagles' infusion of talent, don't be surprised if they aren't a well-oiled machine out of the gate. There are pains associated with meshing new players, even spectacular ones such as cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, above. Still, the playmakers on offense are largely the same, so it shouldn't take long for Michael Vick to resume throwing touchdowns to DeSean Jackson and company while LeSean McCoy — ho hum — averages 5 or so yards per carry. But be careful: Don't sell the Rams defense short.

Holder's pick: Eagles 24, Rams 20

Panthers at Cardinals

4:15 p.m.

Line: Cardinals by 7, 37

There probably aren't two other teams in the NFL that underwent as substantial upgrades at quarterback as these two. Consider Arizona's evolution from, say, Max Hall to Kevin Kolb (despite his limited experience as a starter). And in Carolina, Jimmy Clausen gives way to No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton, whose upside alone is enough to keep the rest of the league from ignoring what was a two-win team last season. In this game, at least, the conventional wisdom says Kolb, above, and his mates will make the quicker transition. Carolina not only is changing its quarterback, but coach and offensive scheme.

Holder's pick: Cardinals 29, Panthers 20 Vikings at Chargers

4:15 p.m.

Line: Chargers by 81/2, 411/2

Has a team ever been as relieved as the Vikings were at the end of last season? It was the year that couldn't end fast enough after the Brett Favre saga, failed Randy Moss experiment that essentially got coach Brad Childress fired and — of all things — the collapse of the Metrodome's roof that forced them to play a home game outdoors. With that drama-filled campaign now over, all Minnesota has to worry about is quarterback Philip Rivers and the Chargers. This is a San Diego team notorious for slow starts, but coach Norv Turner, above, knows that has to stop. His job might depend on it. Holder's pick: Chargers 30, Vikings 20

Seahawks at 49ers

4:15 p.m.

Line: 49ers by 51/2, 371/2

You might think an offense featuring one of the youngest lines and a quarterback as unproven as Tarvaris Jackson, above, would be a recipe for disaster. But the Seahawks actually think they have the ingredients to be competitive a year after winning the NFC West (at 7-9). Seattle's 27th-ranked defense was hardly special last season, but it gained confidence from big late-season wins, including over the defending champion Saints in the playoffs. The 49ers have a lot of work to do, though key defensive additions such as Aldon Smith will have an impact. Too bad he can't play quarterback.

Holder's pick: Seahawks 23, 49ers 20

Giants at Redskins

4:15 p.m., Ch. 13

Line: Giants by 3, 38

Since winning the Super Bowl after the 2007 season, the Giants are 0-1 in the playoffs, and they're hardly a favorite to contend in 2011. The reason they've had such misfortune, in large part, is because they've lost winnable games such as this one. Last year's 19-point loss to the Titans and 13-point loss to the Cowboys — both six-win teams — aren't characteristic of playoff teams. Winning the NFC East is going to be a tall order for Tom Coughlin, above, and his team with the Eagles loaded and the Cowboys preparing to rally. But first, the Giants have to handle business against inferior teams.

Holder's pick: Giants 28, Redskins 18

Cowboys at Jets

8:20 p.m., Ch. 8

Line: Jets by 5, 401/2

Coach Jason Garrett found a way to wake up the enigmatic Cowboys, perhaps the most talented 6-10 team you'll ever see. Under Garrett, who took over for the fired Wade Phillips midseason, Dallas was 5-3. With quarterback Tony Romo healthy and offensive and defensive playmakers, a refocused Cowboys team will be a dangerous one. The Jets are a contending team themselves, but there's still too much all or nothing on offense. Whether this is a product of the ups and downs of quarterback Mark Sanchez, above, or something else, it makes the Jets a team capable of mystifying defeats. Look for the upset.

Holder's pick: Cowboys 20, Jets 17

Patriots at Dolphins

7 p.m., ESPN

Line: Patriots by 7, 451/2

Because the Patriots fell short of the Super Bowl and (gasp!) the AFC title game last season, it feels rather easy to forget they were 14-2 despite adapting their offense to vastly different personnel and a defensive front that was rather uninspiring. The latter issue has been addressed with the likes of Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis. Today, new Dolphins running back Reggie Bush, above, will get an introduction, and it likely won't involve a handshake. The Dolphins have great individual talents such as receiver Brandon Marshall and linebacker Cameron Wake, but they also have Chad Henne under center.

Holder's pick: Patriots 29, Dolphins 17

Raiders at Broncos

10:15 p.m., ESPN

Line: Broncos by 3, 40

This preview of this AFC West matchup will be Tebow-free. Let's, instead, talk about the man poised to be the difference in Denver: coach John Fox, above. The former Carolina coach is one of the best in the business. His expertise is defense, and Denver's last-place unit can't be any worse. Rookie linebacker Von Miller and free agent nose tackle Broderick Bunkley are key acquisitions who will help Fox restore respectability to his defense. The Raiders were 8-8 last season, their best season since 2002, and, of course, fired their coach. Also gone: cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, tight end Zach Miller and guard Robert Gallery.

Holder's pick: Broncos 24, Raiders 23

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

210.1

238.1

131.7

124.9

201

218.6

332.7

343.6

125.1

100.8

Stat pack (2010 totals)

1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, over-under: Bucs by 2; xx

Rushing

passing

total offense

Rushing defense

passing defense

total defense

Bucs

Lions

STATS FOR BUCS/LIONS CHART

(2010 totals)

Rushing yards:

Bucs: 125.1 (8th)

Lions: 100.8 (23rd)

Passing yards:

Bucs: 210.1 (17th)

Lions: 238.1 (12th)

Total offense:

Bucs: 335.1 (19th)

Lions: 338.9 (17th)

Rushing yards allowed:

Bucs: 131.7 (28th)

Lions: 124.9 (24th)

Passing yards allowed:

Bucs: 201.0 (7th)

Lions: 218.6 (16th)

Total defense:

Bucs: 332.7 (17th)

Lions: 343.6 (21st)

338.9

335.1

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

TAMPA — Lindsey Lamar made a name for himself last year at USF with huge plays on kickoff returns, including a 100-yard touchdown against Louisville and a 94-yard score against Syracuse.

The reigning Big East special teams player of the year's new all-time favorite return is less impressive statistically: a 1-yarder during last week's season-opening win at Notre Dame.

"It was just as big as if it was 100 yards," said Lamar, a former standout at Hillsborough High.

After the second of two long weather delays Saturday, Notre Dame had scored with 21 seconds left, cutting what was once a 16-point USF lead to 23-20. The Fighting Irish lined up for an onside kick, with star receiver Michael Floyd along the sideline.

David Ruffer did a well-executed kick. The ball bounced twice, the second time kicking up high and caroming off the helmet of USF receiver Victor Marc and toward the waiting arms of Floyd, who had already scored two touchdowns against the Bulls.

"When that ball went up, I had an open lane looking across the field, where I could see Michael Floyd coming facing us," Bulls coach Skip Holtz said. "And I saw the ball coming right down for him. It was like, 'You've got to be kidding me.'

"All the sudden, I saw this white flash just jump up right in front of him and take it. It was a gutsy play on (Lamar's) part because there were people running at him. He could have taken a shot. He focused on the ball and went up and got it."

The white flash was the No. 5 jersey of Lamar, who is often the smallest player on the field at 5 feet 9, 172 pounds. He leaped and beat the 6-3 Floyd for the ball, clinching the win for USF.

The deep man on an onside kick is in a difficult position, having to guard against a deeper pooch kick. But once the ball was placed and its path was clear, USF coaches quickly motioned Lamar closer to the 10 yards from where it was spotted.

"All I thought was, 'Throw my body in there,' and I got the ball," said Lamar, who wasn't able to practice or run track last spring after having shoulder surgery, from which he has recovered.

Lamar used the time off in the weight room, adding about 12 pounds to his frame since last year while working closely this spring with first-year strength coach Mike Golden.

"I'm a lot bigger, faster, stronger thanks to Coach Golden," Lamar said. "That's the upside of taking the spring off, that I gained a lot of weight."

Lamar was a running back at Hillsborough High. He now splits time between receiver and running back, and his 36 career catches are the most among current USF players. Those catches have mostly come on short bubble screens, so his speed has yet to be fully used in the offense.

Lamar is one of four receivers from Tampa who could make a splash this season. The others are his cousin, speedy sophomore Terrence Mitchell (Hillsborough), and freshmen Andre Davis (Jefferson) and Ruben Gonzalez (Robinson). None is on the two-deep roster at receiver, but they give the Bulls speed and versatility off the bench.

The next three home games — today against Ball State, next week against Florida A&M and Sept. 24 vs. Texas-El Paso — give USF a chance to test its skill position players in different roles as it prepares for the start of Big East play Sept. 29 at Pittsburgh.

As Lamar waits to find a larger presence in the offense, he's taking pride on the return units and making a difference there.

"(Special teams coach Vernon Hargreaves) pounds it in our heads that special teams wins games, so I take that to heart," he said. "I love it."

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@sptimes.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at tampabay.com/blogs/bulls and follow him at Twitter.com/gregauman.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs have invested money and recent draft picks in their defensive line, some claim Tampa Bay will go only as far as Josh Freeman takes it, and the team is stocked with young playmakers such as Mike Williams and Mason Foster.

But the team's fate in 2011 is tied largely to the five big guys up front.

The offensive line, the team's most experienced and highest-paid unit, will be charged with dominating defensive lines, beginning with the Lions on Sunday. That's the expectation, given how much faith has been placed in the linemen.

"We have a lot of experience, but it's about pay grade, too," center Jeff Faine conceded. "We've spent a lot of money up front. It's something we're looking for, to earn that respect."

Said right tackle Jeremy Trueblood: "There's a responsibility, but we're all prideful anyway, so we take a lot of pride in what we do. How well we do is reflected in how well this offense plays."

While the rest of the team essentially has been reconstructed the past two seasons, the offensive line remains largely intact. The team returns its starting five from 2010, with key backups Jeremy Zuttah and James Lee — both of whom have made multiple starts — also back.

"Continuity is so important on the offensive line," general manager Mark Dominik said. " … That's why, for me, the ability to have these guys work together has been so important."

Something that's also important to Dominik is getting elite play from his line. And the third-year GM is all in.

In the past two offseasons, Dominik has agreed to long-term deals with tackle Donald Penn, guard Davin Joseph and Trueblood worth roughly $80 million. Faine, signed as a free agent in 2008 by former GM Bruce Allen, was given a $36 million deal, making him the league's highest-paid center at the time.

Ted Larsen, plucked off waivers from the Patriots a year ago, is the only lineman who wasn't either an early round draft pick or re-signed to a considerable contract.

While so many other key pieces to the team are relatively new — Freeman, Williams, LeGarrette Blount and Gerald McCoy each have three years of experience or fewer on the league's youngest team — the offensive linemen have become fixtures. Joseph and Trueblood were drafted in 2006 in the first and second rounds, respectively, and are on their second contracts. Penn was signed off the Vikings' practice squad in 2006, and Faine is a nine-year veteran and one of the team captains.

They are, by far, the most senior group of players on the team.

"We've been through some changes: coaches, coordinators, we've seen some stiff competition, won, lost," Joseph said. "So, now, I think we're getting to a place where we're settled. We're comfortable with the (lineup) from left tackle to right tackle. It just feels like we just have a great mix of guys, all with a fair amount of experience. Plus, we have a great quarterback, wonderful running backs, explosive receivers. It seems like with all the talent we have, we need to be able to use our experience to help that talent out."

They'll get a good test right out of the gate, with the Lions and star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. It's a chance to solidify a notion held by each member of this line: That this is a formidable group.

"I think it's going to be a great defensive line going against a great offensive line," Penn said. "They think their defensive line is a power of their team. I think our offensive line is a power of our football team.

"They play hard, and they're good. But I'm not about to sit here and just throw all that credit to them. They're a great group, but I feel we're a great group, too."

There have been ups and downs. And there have been injuries, preventing the line from playing together for long stretches.

There are probably some doubts outside the locker room, but they don't exist within.

"I have a lot of confidence in this group," Joseph said. "There's nobody else I'd want to fight with except these guys."

Times staff
Friday, September 9, 2011

Buccaneers on the Web

Team websites/blogs

St. Petersburg Times: bucs.tampabay.com

St. Petersburg Times' Bucs Beat blog: tampabay.com/blogs/bucs

Official team site: buccaneers.com

ESPN: espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-buccaneers

Yahoo: sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/tam

Sports Illustrated: si.com/bucs

profootballtalk: profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/teams/nfc/tampa-bay-buccaneers

Sporting News: aol.sportingnews. com/nfl/team/27/tampa-bay-buccaneers

USA Today: content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Organizations/Sports%2BLeagues/NFL/Tampa%2BBay%2BBuccaneers

Fox Sports: msn.foxsports.com/ nfl/team/tampa-bay-buccaneers /67061

CBS Sports: cbssports.com/#!/nfl/teams/page/TB/tampa-bay-buccaneers

pewterreport.com

joebucsfan.com

bucpower.com

thecaptainsdeck.net

Player websites

Geno Hayes: genohayes54.com

Michael Koenen: michaelkoenenfoundation.org

Former player/ coach websites

Mike Alstott: mikealstottfamilyfoundation.org

Derrick Brooks: dbc55.org

Tony Dungy: allprodad.com/dungy

Warrick Dunn: wd-ff.org

Warren Sapp: qbkilla.com

Facebook

St. Petersburg Times: facebook.com/bucsbeat

Official team page: facebook.com/tampabaybuccaneers

LeGarrette Blount: facebook.com/LeGarretteBlount27.Official

Earnest Graham: facebook.com/EarnestGrahamGivingFoundation

James Lee: facebook.com/pages/ James-T-Lee/110994125587083

Gerald McCoy: facebook.com/GK.McCoy

Twitter

St. Petersburg Times' Rick Stroud: @NFLSTROUD

St. Petersburg Times' Stephen F. Holder: @HolderStephen

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: @TBBuccaneers

Connor Barth: @connorbarth

Arrelious Benn: @arreliousbenn

E.J. Biggers: @ejbiggers

Ahmad Black: @ahmadblack35

Da'Quan Bowers: @DaQuanBowers91

Allen Bradford: @Allenbradford21

Dezmon Briscoe: @DezBriscoe89

Adrian Clayborn: @AJAClay

Mason Foster: @Mason_Foster

Anthony Gaitor: @A_GAITOR

Earnest Graham: @EarnestGraham

Geno Hayes: @GenoHayes54

Adam Hayward: @ahayward57

Davin Joseph: @DavinJoseph75

Michael Koenen: @MichaelKoenen

James Lee: @JTLee77

Myron Lewis: @MyLew23

Erik Lorig: @eriklorig

Gerald McCoy: @Geraldini93

Roy Miller: @MillTicket_90

Frank Okam: @98Nightmare

Preston Parker: @PrestonParker87

Luke Stocker: @LukeStocker88

Jeremy Trueblood: @jeremyTRUEblood

Mike Williams: @Mikebuc19

Former Bucs on Twitter

Mike Alstott: @M_A_F_F

Anthony Becht: @Anthony_Becht

Derrick Brooks: @DBrooks55

Phillip Buchanon: @PhillipBuchanon

Michael Clayton: @MClayton83NYG

Tony Dungy: @TonyDungy

Warrick Dunn: @WarrickDunn

Herm Edwards: @HermEdwardsESPN

Chris Hovan: @hovanlive, hovanlive.com

Rich McKay: @FalconsRMcKay

Warren Sapp: @QBKILLA

Stylez G. White: @stylezwhite

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions: Stats and lineups
Friday, September 9, 2011

Probable starters

BUCS OFFENSE

WR: Mike Williams 19

LT: Donald Penn 70

LG: Ted Larsen 62

C: Jeff Faine 52

RG: Davin Joseph 75

RT: Jeremy Trueblood 65

TE: Kellen Winslow 82

WR: Arrelious Benn 17

QB: Josh Freeman 5

RB: LeGarrette Blount 27

FB: Earnest Graham 34

BUCS DEFENSE

LDE: Michael Bennett 71

DT: Gerald McCoy 93

DT: Roy Miller 90

RDE: Adrian Clayborn 94

SLB: Quincy Black 58

MLB: Mason Foster 59

WLB: Geno Hayes 54

LCB: Aqib Talib 25

RCB: Ronde Barber 20

SS: Sean Jones 26

FS: Cody Grimm 35

Special teams

P: Michael Koenen 9

K: Connor Barth 10

KO: Michael Koenen 9

PR/KR: Preston Parker 87

Lions Offense

WR: Nate Burleson 13

LT: Jeff Backus 76

LG: Rob Sims 67

C: Dominic Raiola 51

RG: Stephen Peterman 66

RT: Gosder Cherilus 77

TE: Brandon Pettigrew 87

TE: Tony Scheffler 85

QB: Matt Stafford 9

WR: Calvin Johnson 81

RB: Jahvid Best 44

Lions Defense

LDE: Cliff Avril 92

DT: Ndamukong Suh 90

DT: Corey Williams 99

RDE: Kyle Vanden Bosch 93

OLB: Justin Durant 52

MLB: Stephen Tulloch 55

OLB: DeAndre Levy 54

LCB: Chris Houston 23

RCB: Eric Wright 21

SS: Amari Spievey 42

FS: Louis Delmas 26

Special teams

P: Ryan Donahue 6

K/KO: Jason Hanson 4

KO: Jason Hanson 4

PR/KR: Stefan Logan 11

Injury report

BUCS

Out: CB Myron Lewis (ankle)

Questionable: LB Dekoda Watson (hamstring)

Probable: C Ted Larsen (ankle)

Lions

Out: DT Nick Fairley (foot), T Jason Fox (foot), CB Alphonso Smith (foot)

Probable: DT Andre Fluellen (hand), RB Maurice Morris (hand)

Stat pack (2010 averages)

Lions

1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, over-under: Bucs by 2; 41

Rushing yards

passing yards

total yards

Rushing yards allowed

passing yards allowed

total yards allowed

Bucs



Detroit's best offensive player

Calvin Johnson ran wild against the Bucs in 2010. He caught 10 passes for 152 yards. And his catches on the final drive of regulation and the only possession of overtime positioned Detroit for the win. This time, the Bucs get cornerback Aqib Talib to match up with Johnson after an injury kept him last season.

Detroit's best defensive player

Last season, tackle Ndamukong Suh was named defensive rookie of the year and started the Pro Bowl. Yet against the Bucs, he had just two tackles.

What the Lions do best

Rush the passer. The same franchise that for two straight seasons had one of the league's worst defenses, including a historically bad unit during their 0-16 2008, notched 44 sacks in 2010. Three came against Josh Freeman.

You can beat the Lions if …

You make them rely on their running game. With rookie Mikel Leshoure out, the Lions have lost a key addition to their ground game. That puts more on quarterback Matt Stafford's shoulders, giving the Bucs' pass rush a shot.

The Bucs must avoid …

Another slow start. Notorious for falling behind in 2010, the Bucs put themselves in difficult positions too often. Against a team capable of rushing the passer as well as Detroit, having to play from behind (and throwing lots of passes as a result) exposes Josh Freeman to too much heat.

Holder's prediction: Bucs 27, Lions 21

Steelers at Ravens

1 p.m., Ch. 10

Line: Ravens by 2, 361/2

What better way to start the season than bitter rivals who have provided some of the NFL's most memorable recent games? The Ravens must have been seething while watching the Steelers play in the Super Bowl last season because had their playoff game ended differently (a late winning touchdown), it well could have been Baltimore in the big game. Maybe the best thing about this rivalry is it could be heated for years to come. The coaches, Mike Tomlin of the Steelers and John Harbaugh, above, of the Ravens, are still young. So, too, are the respective quarterbacks. There are few games this big in Week 1.

Holder's pick: Ravens 23, Steelers 21

Falcons at Bears

1 p.m.

Line: Falcons by 21/2, 401/2

The Falcons were thinking Super Bowl last season and, at one point, playing like a team destined to get there. But they ran into a problem late in the season. There were moments in big games in which they failed to get big plays from their big guns. So general manager Thomas Dimitroff went out and got some more playmakers he hopes will step up at the right time. Atlanta paid a king's ransom to trade up for receiver Julio Jones in the draft then signed ex-Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards, above. Those guys coupled with the considerable talent already on the roster make the Falcons a team to watch.

Holder's pick: Falcons 26, Bears 17

Bengals at Browns

1 p.m.

Line: Browns by 61/2, 351/2

Both teams have undergone dramatic changes. The Browns have a new coach, Pat Shurmur, and all the nuances that come along with a change at the top. The Bengals retained Marvin Lewis but have a new quarterback, rookie Andy Dalton, and offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden. The Browns seem better prepared to hit the ground running. Their second-year quarterback, Colt McCoy, above, has already gone through the growing pains Dalton is about to encounter. And look for the Browns to improve on defense, especially after drafting starting linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard.

Holder's pick: Browns 24, Bengals 16

Colts at Texans

1 p.m.

Line: Texans by 81/2, 431/2

Few can attest to Colts quarterback Peyton Manning's longevity more than the Texans. They annually flirt with the notion of overtaking the Colts in the AFC South only to fall short — largely because of Manning. So today, the Texans face an unprecedented situation with Manning out with a neck injury (ending a streak of 227 starts). But forgive them for not feeling sympathy. The Colts are the very reason Houston coach Gary Kubiak always seems to be on shaky ground. Likewise, Manning is the reason Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, above, who has few peers, rarely gets the credit he deserves.

Holder's pick: Texans 29, Colts 20

Titans at Jaguars

1 p.m.

Line: Jaguars by 2, 37

Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio either knows something we don't or that hot seat he's sitting on is affecting his decision-making. Del Rio and general manager Gene Smith bid farewell to incumbent starting quarterback David Garrard last week, putting Jacksonville's fate in the hands of … Luke McCown? The likelihood here is rookie Blaine Gabbert eventually takes over for McCown, above, but this was a curious move, to say the least. The Titans, meanwhile, have a new coach and new quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck, but have no change at running back, where Chris Johnson has a new contract to live up to.

Holder's pick: Titans 24, Jaguars 21

Bills at Chiefs

1 p.m.

Line: Chiefs by 6, 40

Coach Todd Haley's Kansas City crew came on strong last season, going 10-6 and winning the AFC West. But the defense of that championship could get off to a rocky start with quarterback Matt Cassel, above, already banged up with a rib injury. Haley played his starters extensively during the final preseason game because … well … no one seems sure. Cassel sustained the injury late in the game but said last week he expects to play. Even without him, the Chiefs have a potent running game in Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones and formidable offensive line that could prove the difference against the Bills.

Holder's pick: Chiefs 21, Bills 20

Eagles at Rams

1 p.m.

Line: Eagles by 4, 44

Philadelphia's "dream team" — its words, not ours — faces the surprise team of 2010. Despite the Eagles' infusion of talent, don't be surprised if they aren't a well-oiled machine out of the gate. There are pains associated with meshing new players, even spectacular ones such as cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, above. Still, the playmakers on offense are largely the same, so it shouldn't take long for Michael Vick to resume throwing touchdowns to DeSean Jackson and company while LeSean McCoy — ho hum — averages 5 or so yards per carry. But be careful: Don't sell the Rams defense short.

Holder's pick: Eagles 24, Rams 20

Panthers at Cardinals

4:15 p.m.

Line: Cardinals by 7, 37

There probably aren't two other teams in the NFL that underwent as substantial upgrades at quarterback as these two. Consider Arizona's evolution from, say, Max Hall to Kevin Kolb (despite his limited experience as a starter). And in Carolina, Jimmy Clausen gives way to No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton, whose upside alone is enough to keep the rest of the league from ignoring what was a two-win team last season. In this game, at least, the conventional wisdom says Kolb, above, and his mates will make the quicker transition. Carolina not only is changing its quarterback, but coach and offensive scheme.

Holder's pick: Cardinals 29, Panthers 20 Vikings at Chargers

4:15 p.m.

Line: Chargers by 81/2, 411/2

Has a team ever been as relieved as the Vikings were at the end of last season? It was the year that couldn't end fast enough after the Brett Favre saga, failed Randy Moss experiment that essentially got coach Brad Childress fired and — of all things — the collapse of the Metrodome's roof that forced them to play a home game outdoors. With that drama-filled campaign now over, all Minnesota has to worry about is quarterback Philip Rivers and the Chargers. This is a San Diego team notorious for slow starts, but coach Norv Turner, above, knows that has to stop. His job might depend on it. Holder's pick: Chargers 30, Vikings 20

Seahawks at 49ers

4:15 p.m.

Line: 49ers by 51/2, 371/2

You might think an offense featuring one of the youngest lines and a quarterback as unproven as Tarvaris Jackson, above, would be a recipe for disaster. But the Seahawks actually think they have the ingredients to be competitive a year after winning the NFC West (at 7-9). Seattle's 27th-ranked defense was hardly special last season, but it gained confidence from big late-season wins, including over the defending champion Saints in the playoffs. The 49ers have a lot of work to do, though key defensive additions such as Aldon Smith will have an impact. Too bad he can't play quarterback.

Holder's pick: Seahawks 23, 49ers 20

Giants at Redskins

4:15 p.m., Ch. 13

Line: Giants by 3, 38

Since winning the Super Bowl after the 2007 season, the Giants are 0-1 in the playoffs, and they're hardly a favorite to contend in 2011. The reason they've had such misfortune, in large part, is because they've lost winnable games such as this one. Last year's 19-point loss to the Titans and 13-point loss to the Cowboys — both six-win teams — aren't characteristic of playoff teams. Winning the NFC East is going to be a tall order for Tom Coughlin, above, and his team with the Eagles loaded and the Cowboys preparing to rally. But first, the Giants have to handle business against inferior teams.

Holder's pick: Giants 28, Redskins 18

Cowboys at Jets

8:20 p.m., Ch. 8

Line: Jets by 5, 401/2

Coach Jason Garrett found a way to wake up the enigmatic Cowboys, perhaps the most talented 6-10 team you'll ever see. Under Garrett, who took over for the fired Wade Phillips midseason, Dallas was 5-3. With quarterback Tony Romo healthy and offensive and defensive playmakers, a refocused Cowboys team will be a dangerous one. The Jets are a contending team themselves, but there's still too much all or nothing on offense. Whether this is a product of the ups and downs of quarterback Mark Sanchez, above, or something else, it makes the Jets a team capable of mystifying defeats. Look for the upset.

Holder's pick: Cowboys 20, Jets 17

Patriots at Dolphins

7 p.m., ESPN

Line: Patriots by 7, 451/2

Because the Patriots fell short of the Super Bowl and (gasp!) the AFC title game last season, it feels rather easy to forget they were 14-2 despite adapting their offense to vastly different personnel and a defensive front that was rather uninspiring. The latter issue has been addressed with the likes of Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis. Today, new Dolphins running back Reggie Bush, above, will get an introduction, and it likely won't involve a handshake. The Dolphins have great individual talents such as receiver Brandon Marshall and linebacker Cameron Wake, but they also have Chad Henne under center.

Holder's pick: Patriots 29, Dolphins 17

Raiders at Broncos

10:15 p.m., ESPN

Line: Broncos by 3, 40

This preview of this AFC West matchup will be Tebow-free. Let's, instead, talk about the man poised to be the difference in Denver: coach John Fox, above. The former Carolina coach is one of the best in the business. His expertise is defense, and Denver's last-place unit can't be any worse. Rookie linebacker Von Miller and free agent nose tackle Broderick Bunkley are key acquisitions who will help Fox restore respectability to his defense. The Raiders were 8-8 last season, their best season since 2002, and, of course, fired their coach. Also gone: cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, tight end Zach Miller and guard Robert Gallery.

Holder's pick: Broncos 24, Raiders 23

210.1

238.1

335.2

131.7

124.9

201

218.6

332.7

343.5

125.1

100.8

338.9

By Dave Mistretta, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 9, 2011

Unruly weather: For the past week, the weather has hampered many anglers' dreams of catching fish. Strong winds, high seas and torrential downpours have been the culprits. These conditions can be common during the peak of hurricane season, but it will calm soon.

Opportunity knocks: Water temperatures already have started to drop due to the rain and shorter daylight hours. This will not only decrease tropical conditions but trigger many fall migrations of fish toward us.

Season opener: Gag grouper season opens Sept. 16. Many local anglers are eagerly awaiting. All depths have some populations. And don't be surprised if there already are impressive numbers in 40 feet. All summer, we have reluctantly released large gags in waters of 100 feet and deeper. Just before the nasty weather hit, many anglers noticed an easterly migration of gag grouper in our shallower depths, too. As we get closer to October, our fall migration should be in full swing, allowing anglers to catch gags within a few miles of the beach. Also expect a brief appearance of large kingfish. It will happen immediately after the water temperatures drop below 81 degrees. They will be rogue fish with large appetites.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 439-2628 or see www.jawstoo.com.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

Justin Verlander, pitcher, Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are on the verge of their first division crown, and just their second postseason appearance, since 1987 (they were a wildcard when they advanced to the 2006 World Series.) They are where they are this year mostly because of Verlander, who is a lock for the AL Cy Young and has a shot at MVP. Consider: Coming into the weekend, the Tigers had won 81 games. Verlander was the winning pitcher in 22 of them. Since May 24, the team is 19-2 in games started by Verlander, and one of those losses was by 1-0. The rest of the Tigers' starting pitchers have combined for only 41 victories.

Troy Polamalu, safety, Pittsburgh Steelers

Usually, the quarterback is a football team's most valuable player. But ask anyone who follows the Steelers closely and they'll tell you Polamalu has been Pittsburgh's most crucial player the past several years. Ben Roethlisberger is an excellent NFL quarterback, but the Steelers have survived just fine without Big Ben in the past, including a 3-1 record to start last season when Roethlisberger was suspended. But things don't go quite as well when Polamalu is out. The Steelers are 65-26 since 2004, Polamalu's first year as a starter, (a .714 winning percentage) with him in the lineup but only 12-9 (.571) without him. In addition, the Steelers force twice as many turnovers per game when Polamalu plays.

Sidney Crosby, center, Pittsburgh Penguins

Back on Jan. 5, the Penguins beat the Lightning in a game where Crosby is believed to have suffered his second concussion in five days — following his first severe one in the Jan. 1 Winter Classic game. After beating the Lightning, the Pens were 26-12-3 and first overall in the Eastern Conference. The team's captain missed the rest of the season, and the Penguins went 23-13-5 to finish fourth in the East. (The Pens also lost Evgeni Malkin for the season less than a month after losing Crosby.) In the first round of the playoffs against Tampa Bay, the Pens averaged two goals a game were shut out in Game 7. The Pens are Cup contenders with Sid the Kid and barely a playoff team without him.

Dirk Nowitzki, forward, Dallas Mavericks

Every NBA team would be in trouble without their best player. Think of the Lakers without Kobe Bryant, the Thunder without Kevin Durant or the Magic without Dwight Howard. But the Dallas Mavs are the NBA champs because of Nowitzki. During the regular season, he averaged 23 points per game, while the Mavs averaged 100.2. During the playoffs, when he hit every big shot needed, Nowitzki averaged 27.7 for a team that averaged 98.2. Last season, teams playing without their leading scorer won about 31 percent of the time. But when Nowitzki missed nine games around Christmas last season, the Mavs won only two.

Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Green Bay Packers

Most NFL teams rely heavily on their starting quarterbacks. (Though, remember, the Patriots went 11-5 with Matt Cassel replacing an injured Tom Brady in 2008.) But the dropoff between Rodgers and backup Matt Flynn is fairly significant. Rodgers is, arguably, the best signal-caller in football right now. Meantime, in two games last season filling in for the injured Rodgers, Flynn went 0-2, including a 7-3 loss to the Lions. He has a career QB rating of 73.2, compared to Rodgers' rating of 99.1. Maybe Flynn just needs more of a chance to play, but Packers fans are hoping that chance doesn't come anytime soon.

tom jones' two cents

Check it out

Today's This Week in Rays Baseball (noon, 620-AM) looks back at the 2001 terrorist attacks and personal stories of Rays players and executives. Host Rich Herrera interviews local firefighters who went to ground zero in 2001, plus several Rays coaches, executives and broadcaster Todd Kalas about their Sept. 11 experiences.

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will miss at least two months, and maybe longer, with neck problems. It's hard to guess how the Colts will be without him considering the last time they started a quarterback other than Manning was Dec. 21, 1997. But the gut feeling is the Colts are in trouble without one of the best QBs ever. Even at 35, Manning might mean more to the Colts than any other player means to his team. Here are my picks for the five players in sports right now who mean the most to their teams.

Times staff, wires
Friday, September 9, 2011

Gymnastics

Ohio State fires Olympian Hamm after arrest

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State fired Olympic champion Paul Hamm after his arrest on assault charges.

Hamm, 28, had been an assistant coach since June.

"We have high standards for our coaching staff, and unfortunately, Mr. Hamm failed to meet those standards," athletic director Gene Smith said Friday.

Hamm was charged last week with assault and two other misdemeanors, accused of hitting and kicking a taxi driver, damaging a cab window and refusing to pay a $23 fare.

While Hamm sat handcuffed in a police cruiser, he asked officers to let him go, saying, "I don't understand. I'm gonna kill you guys." He is free on bond pending arraignment Thursday.

Hamm, the only American man to win the Olympic (2004) and world (2003) all-around titles, hopes to make the team for the 2012 London Games.

NHL

Lightning prospects set for tournament

The Lightning, Predators and Panthers will play in a prospects tournament Sunday through Wednesday at the Saveology Iceplex in Coral Springs: Lightning vs. Florida, 6 p.m. Sunday; Lightning vs. Predators, 6 p.m. Monday; Lightning vs. Panthers, noon Wednesday. Call (954) 341-9956 for more information.

Around the league: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger skated for the first time since offseason surgery to remove a herniated disc from his spinal cord. He won't be ready when training camp opens Sept. 17. … The Blackhawks acquired forward David Toews, younger brother of team captain Jonathan Toews, from the Islanders for future considerations.

Basketball

Suns president/CEO Welts to step down

Suns president and chief executive Rick Welts, the first openly gay senior executive in pro sports, said he will leave the team Sept. 15 to pursue other interests.

"The most important thing for me is to get my personal and professional lives better aligned," Welts told the Arizona Republic. "They've probably never been aligned. I'm 58 years old, and it's time to do that."

Welts, who joined the Suns in 2002 as president, said his partner lives in Sacramento and has joint custody of two children.

European championship: Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki scored 19 and made four free throws in the last 19 seconds to help Germany beat Turkey 73-67 in Vilnius, Lithuania. To reach the quarters, Germany must beat Lithuania and hope for Turkey to beat Serbia. Defending champ Spain reached the quarters by routing Serbia 84-59.

Olympics: Australia's men and women qualified for the London Games with wins over New Zealand in the Oceania championships.

Et cetera

Boxing: Vitali Klitschko (42-2) defends his WBC heavyweight title against Tomasz Adamek (44-1) today in Wroclaw, Poland (4:30 p.m., HBO).

Cycling: Spain's Juan Jose Cobo kept the overall lead at the Spanish Vuelta, and countryman Igor Anton won the 19th stage, a 99-mile trek from Noja to Bilbao, in 3:53:34. Cobo is 13 seconds ahead of Britain's Christopher Froome.

Soccer: Defending champion AC Milan and Lazio drew 2-2 as the Serie A season opened two weeks late after a players strike.

Times staff, wires

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer


Friday, September 9, 2011

For the past four years, I've predicted the Bucs season game by game. For three years in a row, I picked them to go 5-10-1, and they finished 9-7, 9-7 and 3-13. Last year, I swore to not pick the Bucs to go 5-10-1. And I didn't. Instead, I really switched things up. I said they would go 5-11. The Bucs surprised most by going 10-6.

So that brings us to this season. Certainly this team seems better than five wins. But can it match last season's 10-win mark? It will come down to the last game. But at least I promise more than five wins.

Sunday

vs. Detroit

Normally, opening at home against the Lions would be a tap-in putt, a slam dunk, or whatever the football phrase is for a "gimme." (Actually, the phrase just might be "opening at home against the Lions.") Except this season. The Lions are everyone's chic pick for this season's surprise team. The Lions' road to recovery actually got underway last season around the time they beat the Bucs.

Lions 27-20 Bucs record: 0-1

Sept. 18

at Minnesota

Not sure how going from one old-timer (Brett Favre) to another (Donovan McNabb) at quarterback is supposed to improve things in Minnesota. Doesn't matter if the quarterback is Favre, McNabb, Joe Kapp or Fran Tarkenton. Why the Vikes just don't hand the ball to Adrian Peterson 40 times a game is a mystery.

Bucs 20-10 Record: 1-1

Sept. 25

vs. Atlanta

If there's a team out there that could knock off the Packers as king of the NFC, the Falcons could be it. Then again, the Falcons, too, are starting to look like that frustrating team that pounds on the door for a few years but never actually kicks it in. In other words, perpetual bridesmaids. Atlanta is practically unbeatable at home. But this game is at Ray-Jay.

Bucs 31-28 Record: 2-1

Oct. 3

vs. Indianapolis

Remember the last time the Colts came here for Monday Night Football? The defending champion Bucs blew a 35-14 lead with four minutes left and lost 38-35 in overtime on Oct. 6, 2003. Starting with that game, the Bucs went 10-19 over the next season and a half. The Bucs get some MNF revenge.

Bucs 38-35 (OT) Record: 3-1

Oct. 9

at San Francisco

The 49ers are in rebuilding mode under new coach Jim Harbaugh, but that doesn't mean the Bucs should write down a "W" in pen. This is, after all, San Francisco. The Bucs are 1-11 all time in that particular city by the bay, and that lone win was in 1980 when Doug Williams was the QB. Some places are just haunted for some teams.

49ers 24-17 Record: 3-2

Oct. 16

vs. New Orleans

For as good as the Saints have been the past several years, the Bucs have held their own against them. In fact, the Saints haven't swept the Bucs since the 2006 season. And since then, the Bucs have gone 5-3 against New Orleans. The Bucs will split with the Saints again this season. Here is the win half of the split.

Bucs 34-28 Record: 4-2

Oct. 23

vs. Chicago

No team has handed the Bucs more losses all-time than the Bears, who are 35-18 against them. Of course, a lot of those wins were racked up in the days of Walter Payton and that ferocious Bears 46 defense in the 1980s. These days, Chicago's defense is good enough to win, even if quarterback Jay Cutler often has a hard time distinguishing which guys play for his team and which ones play for the other team.

Bears 21-7 Record: 4-3

Nov. 6

at New Orleans

Lousy scheduling here, don't you think? Doesn't seem fair or entertaining for two teams to play each other twice in a three-game stretch. What if a team is missing a key player — say a Josh Freeman or Drew Brees — for a month? It doesn't seem right that such an important player would miss a short amount of time and yet miss playing a key division opponent twice. Either way, this series looks like a split in 2011. Here's the Bucs loss in that split.

Saints 30-17 Record: 4-4

Nov. 13

vs. Houston

One of these years, the Texans are going to live up to expectations. They've had only one winning season in their history (9-7 in 2009), but they still haven't made a postseason. This will be Houston's second trip to Tampa Bay. And it will end exactly like the first visit.

Bucs 16-3 Record: 5-4

Nov. 20

at Green Bay

Late November in Green Bay is not exactly picnic weather. Temperatures could very well be in single digits. Maybe a blizzard could dump a foot of snow. But even if it's sunny and in the 60s, that won't change the fact that the defending Super Bowl champs will be lining up on the other side of the ball. QB Aaron Rodgers can light up defenses like the Steelers and Bears. Imagine what he could do against the Bucs.

Packers 38-14 Record: 5-5

Nov. 27

at Tennessee

The Titans are a strange team. When you expect them to be good, they're bad. When you expect them to be bad, they're good. Three years ago, they went 13-3. Then when everyone expected them to be a Super Bowl contender, they went 8-8 and 6-10. Quite frankly, I have no idea what they'll do this season. But they'll lose this game.

Bucs 19-16 Record: 6-5

Dec. 4

vs. Carolina

Boy, the Bucs caught an unlucky break here. Instead of Carolina rookie QB Cam Newton having only a game or two of experience before facing the Bucs, he will have more than three months of NFL time. Still, as good as he was last year at Auburn means little to how good he will be right now in Carolina. There aren't any Louisiana-Monroes or Chattanoogas on the Panthers' schedule.

Bucs 27-7 Record: 7-5

Dec. 11

at Jacksonville

Every year, the Bucs lose a game they are not supposed to lose. Last year, it was that home game against the Lions. There is no earthly reason why the Bucs should lose this game against a mediocre Jaguars team. Let's just call it a hunch.

Jaguars 23-21 Record: 7-6

Dec. 17

vs. Dallas

Every year, the Bucs win a game they are not supposed to win. Last year, it was the season finale at New Orleans. There is no earthly reason why the Bucs should win this game against a much-improved Cowboys team. Let's just call it a hunch. (And for the Cowboys, it's a Saturday game sandwiched between two tough division showdowns against the rival Giants and Eagles.)

Bucs 30-20 Record: 8-6

Dec. 24

at Carolina

Merry Christmas, Tampa Bay. And nothing warms the holiday heart like a visit from a rookie quarterback on a team going through a major rebuilding project. The Bucs are trying to sweep the Panthers in the two-game season series for just the third time since 2002. If they can't, then everything you've read so far might be off-kilter. Way off-kilter.

Bucs 34-13 Record: 9-6

Jan. 1

at Atlanta

A victory here and the Bucs, according to our predictions, would match last season's 10-6 mark. But … winning at Atlanta has not only been difficult for the Bucs (they've lost five of the past six there), but the entire NFL. The Falcons are 20-4 at home over the past three regular seasons. The Bucs' playoff push comes up just short again.

Falcons 33-23 Record: 9-7

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Friday, September 9, 2011

Five thoughts for opening day

1. If you like the idea of continuity, you'll love this Bucs team because 19 of the 22 starters are the same as last season. The only new faces are Adrian Clayborn (defensive end), Michael Bennett (defensive end) and Mason Foster (middle linebacker). Clayborn and Foster are rookie draft picks, and Bennett has had two starts in the past two seasons.

2. Just because he is allowed to say it unchallenged on radio does not mean Bryan Glazer's revisionist history is true. Contrary to ownership's claim, free agents do help. When the Bucs won the 2002 Super Bowl, their leading passer (Brad Johnson) was a free agent acquisition. So was the leading rusher (Michael Pittman). And four of the five top receivers (Keenan McCardell, Ken Dilger, Joe Jurevicius and Pittman). And the leader in sacks (Simeon Rice). And a starting defensive end (Greg Spires). And three of the five starters on the offensive line (Roman Oben, Kerry Jenkins and Jeff Christy). Yes, it's smarter to build through the draft. But it is also foolish to act as if free agency is a curse.

3. After the Race to 10 failed to get them in the postseason, I suggest Raheem Morris adapt an oldie but goodie for this season's motto: Just Give Me the Damn Playoffs.

4. Do you know the greatest change in Tampa Bay from a 3-13 team in 2009 to a 10-6 team in 2010? Turnover differential. The Bucs went from minus-5 to plus-9. Over the last decade, teams with a plus-9 margin have made the playoffs 80.3 percent of the time. In other words, hold on to the ball.

5. His case for the Hall of Fame remains borderline, but Ronde Barber could get a nice boost if he stays healthy the entire season. Stalwarts such as Rod Woodson and Troy Vincent moved to safety in their later years, but Barber is still playing the corner at age 36. If he starts at least 15 games, Barber would trail only Darrell Green among cornerbacks in the last 40 years.

Five levels of optimism

1. Warren Sapp gives the defensive line his blessing. Mason Foster makes Barrett Ruud look like Barney Fife. LeGarrette Blount gains 1,500 yards. Bucs go 11-5.

2. Josh Freeman wins four games on last-minute drives. St. Pete's Mayor Foster comes up with a secret plan for the defense. LeGarrette Blount gains 1,300 yards. Bucs go 10-6.

3. Pass rush never develops. Freeman leads the league in passing yards because the Bucs are playing from behind. LeGarrette Blount gains 1,200 yards. Bucs go 9-7.

4. A front office exec is fired after suggesting the free agent market might be worth considering. Geno Hayes posts somebody's naked something on Twitter. LeGarrette Blount gains 1,000 yards. Bucs go 8-8.

5. Run defense is 25th in the NFL. Thirty-eight other states request Bucs games be blacked out in their markets, too. LeGarrette Blount gains 25 pounds. Bucs go 7-9.

Five indispensable Bucs (in order)

1. If Josh Freeman goes down, the season goes bye-bye.

2. The Bucs went 3-2 last season before LeGarrette Blount started getting the majority of the carries. I'm still not sure how they pulled that off.

3. Love him or fear him, Aqib Talib is still the most talented player on Tampa Bay's defense.

4. Remember what the receiving corps looked like before Mike Williams arrived? I know, it makes your stomach queasy.

5. Hopefully, by next season, Gerald McCoy will be indispensable. Right now, defensive line coach Keith Millard may be even more important because he's the one trying to teach the easygoing McCoy the finer techniques of nasty.

Five candidates for awards

1. Coach of the Year: Raheem Morris has the advantage of getting screwed in 2010. How do you not reward a guy who took the NFL's lowest-paid team and created a seven-win turnaround in a tough division? That doesn't even include a 5-1 record in games decided by three points or less, where coaching decisions are critical.

2. Defensive Rookie of the Year: Adrian Clayborn has a couple of things going for him. No. 1, he was given a starting job by default. No. 2, he plays a position designed to rack up sacks, and voters gravitate toward sexy numbers. Now all he has to do is perform.

3. WBC and IBF Light Heavyweight Champion: What more does Aqib Talib need to do? He has beaten up teammates, cab drivers and, allegedly, his sister's boyfriend. He could actually be the undisputed title holder, but the WBA deducts points for pistol-whipping.

4. Executive of the Year: I'm not even sure they give this award. If they do, then someone needs to give voters a copy of Mark Dominik's resume. Like his head coach, the Bucs GM had a spectacular season in 2010 and did not get nearly enough recognition.

5. MVP: This award almost always goes to a quarterback. Perhaps for the first time ever, the Bucs have a quarterback with the ability to win it.

Final five words: God bless Lee Roy Selmon

By John Romano and Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnists


Friday, September 9, 2011

JR: Let's jump right into this, Gary. You think the Bucs are heading to the playoffs. I've got my doubts. For the love of bacon, when did I become the grumpy one? Please convince me that I need a little more sunshine in my heart.

GS: Maybe what you need is a little more fiber in your diet. I just think there are a lot of reasons to succeed here. LeGarrette Blount, Mike Williams and, especially, Josh Freeman.

JR: I don't doubt that the Bucs will be a good team. Probably a better team than 2010. I just think a tougher schedule will make it hard to get back to 10 wins. Not to mention half of their wins last season were by three points or less. Maybe that's because Freeman was terrific in the clutch, but it's still a lot of games that could have gone either way.

GS: The NFL is a three-point league, John. You know that. I just think there is more momentum in the building than you expect. And the quarterback makes up for other shortcomings.

JR: I see your strategy now. I say "tougher schedule," and you say "Josh." I say "rookie defensive ends," and you say "Josh." I say "typhoid fever," and you say "Josh." Well-played, sir. You know I'm not going to argue against a quarterback that big, talented, smart and driven. Freeman is the antidote for a lot of ailments.

GS: I wonder if Josh could cure your attitude. Also, can he pass rush?

JR: Ain't that a kick? I don't think I'll ever get used to the idea of going into a Bucs season saying the offense will be fine but the defense could screw things up.

GS: It still sounds strange, but it's true. I suspect the front four will have a lot to do with the season given the passing attacks to come. The middle linebacker, too. Still, this team's best chance to win comes with its offense. What about you? What are your biggest questions?

JR: There's talent on defense, no doubt about that. It's the inexperience that's a concern. I would worry about QBs like Manning, Brees, Rodgers and Romo making a mess of things. I'd have a genuine fear of holding onto leads in the fourth quarter. What about you?

GS: I'm willing to bet that if you can guarantee leads in the fourth quarter, Raheem will take his chances. And by the way, you should never mention Tony Romo in the same sentence with Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers again. Shame on you.

JR: My bad. I sometimes get "ability to avoid the rush" and "ability to attract blonds" mixed up.

GS: Okay, we know I see this team in the playoffs just because I am Mr. Sunshine. I say they are 10-6 again. How do you see this season?

JR: For all of our poking and teasing, you and I see things in much the same way. I'm just a little less optimistic. I think the Bucs go 9-7 and barely miss the playoffs again. Of course, we both thought they would be 6-10 last year, so what the heck do we know?

GS: I know nothing, and you know less. Or is it the other way around?

This week's electronic conversation between columnists John Romano and Gary Shelton:

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 9, 2011

You're from Seaside, Calif. Tell us what makes Seaside special?

What makes Seaside special is that it's a small community that's very diverse. We're right on the Monterrey Peninsula, so it's a really nice area. It's kind of a blue-collar community. But what makes it really special to me is that all my family lives there. All my cousins grew up there. Both of my grandmas live on the same street, four houses apart. My mom and dad met each other when they were young. It's a special place. And the ocean is right there. It never gets too hot like here. Pretty much all of us are out there, spread out from Sacramento down to Seaside; Stockton, Hayward, places like that. At the family reunions, everybody makes it. It's a nice, family-oriented community.

What's the best thing the family cooks at those reunions?

I would have to say my grandpa when he cooks fried chicken and pork chops, and he makes this thing we call ome rice. It's fried rice, and he throws in sausage, hot links, whatever. And he always makes mine special because I don't like onions and vegetables. So he fries eggs and puts it on top for me. My grandpa makes a bunch of crazy stuff like that. And he always has the Kool-Aid. That's what I look forward to at family reunions, eating everybody's favorite dish. It's a good time.

What about Florida reminds you of home? They're very different places.

They are very different, but the water. I love water being from Seaside. At my high school, every class I had looked out at the ocean. The only thing that separated my school from the beach was a highway. That's the thing about Tampa that reminds me of home.

Former Jets and Chiefs coach Herm Edwards is from Seaside, too. When you had a chance to meet him as a kid, did that push you more toward football?

I think it definitely interested me more in football. I was kind of everywhere as a kid. In my community, you couldn't play tackle football until you were 9 years old. So the closest thing I had to playing tackle was going to Herm Edwards' camp and learning my fundamentals. It was fun. It taught me to play football. Herm Edwards has great morals and great character, so it helped a lot of us kids (learn) how to respect your parents and put your family first.

Was Herm with the Bucs at the time?

Yes, he was the defensive backs coach. He would always bring Bucs gear. And it's funny you say that because when I got drafted, my dad was looking for Bucs gear everywhere. Then he goes in his closet, and he has visors and (shirts) from back in the day when Herm used to bring them in.

Here are our weekly questions: What's playing most on your iPod right now?

Probably guys like (rapper) E-40, a bunch of those (San Francisco) Bay area guys. I listen to regular stuff, too, Lil' Wayne, Drake.

If I picked up your iPod, what would I be surprised to find?

I actually have a little bit of everything. I have a lot of R&B and a lot of old school. I have a lot of little love songs that my girl puts on my iPod.

What website do you visit the most?

I'd have to say probably Twitter. I don't tweet a lot, but I get bored sitting around the house.

So, who is the most interesting person you follow on Twitter?

For me, I'd have to say (Bucs linebacker) Geno Hayes. During the lockout, when I was working out back in Seattle, you could always go on Twitter and see Geno saying something to brighten your day or make you laugh. I was like, 'I gotta meet this guy!'

What reality TV show are you hooked on?

I love reality TV. I watch World's Dumbest Criminals on TruTV. Have you ever seen it? It's a good show.

You were a quarterback in high school and threw for a lot of yards. What was your favorite throw?

We ran a five-wide (lineup), and we had this play called 'Vegas.' We had the two slot receivers run option routes, so they're just reading. And it was easy money. All five of the receivers, we grew up together. We were all best friends, so it was like second nature. It was the same thing we did at the Boys & Girls Club back in the day. That was my favorite play.

So now that you're on the other side, do you prefer playing quarterback or hitting quarterbacks?

Hitting quarterbacks. It's been something since I was a little kid. I just love running into stuff. I loved going fast on my bike, and I'm kind of into thrills. I don't like taking shots. That's why in high school, I'd try to play fullback and not quarterback. I love hitting, and I love hitting quarterbacks.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.